Werribee recruit Jordan Jones has returned home to Victoria a changed man from when he left to play at West Coast in the AFL over seven years ago.
The Ocean Grove native spent three years with the Eagles after being selected with pick no.52 in the 2008 AFL Draft, before staying in Perth and playing another four seasons in the WAFL.
Jones, 25, has realised his priorities in life are changing. Securing a role in Geelong’s financial industry was the deciding factor in him returning to his home state.
“I didn’t necessarily want to move for football,” Jones said.
“I’m getting a bit older now and I want to sort out my career after football. That was the main reason to move back.
“I still want to play at the highest level I can play at and be the best player I can be, but at this stage of my career I’m thinking about other things rather than footy. Footy doesn’t last forever.”
Jones missed his family while in Western Australia and the avid surfer is also relishing being so close to Victoria’s famed beaches. Werribee’s convenient location made it an easy decision for the 189cm utility to sign with the Tigers.
He said being one of the club’s elder statesmen amongst a generally young group of VFL-listed players has given him a chance to do what several West Coast champions did for him when he was younger.
“It makes you grow up really quickly,” Jones said of his AFL experience.
“I moved out of home at 18 and was pretty much fending for myself, but I had Darren Glass, Dean Cox, Beau Waters – players who help you develop as a person.
“They’re trying to get the best out of you as a football player but they’ll also catch up with you for coffee or take you out for lunch and see how you’re going.”
Now Jones is in the same senior position as those former West Coast champions. He may have only managed two senior games in three years due to injury and lack of opportunity before being delisted, but still learnt a lot about himself in the AFL system.
“I was so young,” Jones said. “I wish I got the opportunity now. A lot of people say they wish they knew back then what they know now.
“The opportunity I got given was an amazing experience. I tried my hardest and gave it all I could give.
“Having past experience means I can give feedback and help some younger guys get better as footballers and even young men. I’m really relishing the opportunity to be a leader like that.”
Jones’ learning experience continued from 2012-15 at West Perth, winning a WAFL premiership in 2013 but only playing one senior game last year due to finger and hamstring injuries.
He spent most of his time at the club playing as a key defender but Werribee coach John Lamont has indicated a preference to settle him into a midfield position.
Perhaps now he’s home, Jones will also feel settled off the field. But seeing good friend and former Eagles teammate Ryan Davis rookie-listed by Gold Coast last year as a 26-year-old means life after football isn’t the top priority just yet.
“It’s never too late,” Jones said of returning to the AFL.
“Your best years in footy are generally between the ages of 24 and 30. My footy’s going to continue improving.”
Last Modified on 14/04/2016 15:47
